R.K. Laros Company

R.K. Laros Company was a Bethlehem, Pennsylvania-based industrial firm that transitioned from textile manufacturing to the pharmaceutical sector during the mid-20th century. The company is most notable for its pioneering role in the large-scale production of Expandex, a brand of Dextran used as a clinical blood volume expander to treat shock and hemorrhage. This development was critical during the Korean War, as the company became a primary supplier of synthetic plasma to the United States military. Operating a specialized pharmaceutical division, the firm utilized advanced fermentation and purification techniques to produce medical-grade polysaccharides. While the company's commercial operations eventually ceased, its technical contributions significantly advanced the field of hematology and emergency fluid resuscitation. The legacy of the company and its founder, Russell K. Laros, continues today through the philanthropic R.K. Laros Foundation.